Mushroom Gravy

Mushroom Gravy — A rich, hearty, and very flavorful gravy recipe to perfectly complement your favorite dishes and holiday recipes! Made with mushrooms, onions, and butter for maximum comfort food flavor! An EASY gravy recipe that will impress everyone at your next Thanksgiving, Christmas, or special family gathering!

Easy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Gravy can turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. But when we’re talking about mushroom gravy, it levels things up even more.

This easy mushroom gravy recipe is made with fresh mushrooms, fresh thyme and rosemary, onions, butter, and savory beef broth to create maximum flavor in every spoonful!

No fancy chef skills or roasted meat drippings needed here – just straightforward ingredients and basic steps to create an easy and foolproof sauce that will make your meals even better.

Love the looks of the pork recipe shown with this succulent gravy with mushrooms? That’s my Glazed Pork Loin Roast recipe. Also shown are my Classic Mashed Potatoes and Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts.

Can You Taste the Mushrooms?

The mushroom flavor is actually not too overpowering in the sauce.

However, from a texture and visual perspective, nice big slices of mushrooms can create the illusion of thinking there’s more robust mushroom flavor (than there actually is).

What If I Don’t Like Mushrooms?

There are few foods that generate as much polarity as mushrooms do as I have learned from nearly 15 years of blogging and thousands of recipes later!

If you don’t like mushrooms, or you’re serving this to friends and family who are mushroom-averse, this probably isn’t the gravy for you.

However, I have three amazing gravy alternatives:

1. Turkey Gravy From Drippings – This is the most classic gravy that you can make, and if you’ve made a whole bird, this is the logical choice, especially if you’re serving it for the holidays.
2. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast + Gravy – Not roasting a whole bird? If you have some pan drippings from a turkey breast instead, this is an easy gravy to make, and doesn’t make a ton.
3. Beef Tips + Gravy – This recipe does use the premise that you’ve made beef tips, and have pan drippings to use (and it also uses mushrooms in the gravy but you can omit them if you’d like) and the recipe produces lots of savory gravy.

Ingredients in Homemade Mushroom Gravy

Made with common and easy to find fridge and pantry ingredients, here’s what you’ll need to make this mushroom gravy recipe:

• Unsalted butter
• Yellow onion
• Fresh mushrooms – White (white button), cremini (brown button), baby portobello
• Garlic cloves
• Soy sauce
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Fresh rosemary
• All-purpose flour
• Beef broth – I recommend reduced sodium
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.

What Kind of Mushrooms Are Best For Mushroom Gravy?

You can use any kind of mushrooms for this gravy provided they are fresh mushrooms. The one exception being using dried mushroom powder or mushroom broth if you want to amp up the flavor of this gravy but they are not common ingredients the way regular ‘ole fresh mushrooms are.

While I tend to use two containers (8 ounces each) of sliced “basic” white button mushrooms, you can mix-and-match the types of mushrooms used.

White or white button, cremini or brown button, or baby portobello mushrooms are great as a base and for a rich deep flavor.

Shiitake mushrooms(and baby portobello to an extent) mushrooms will amp up the unmai flavor and give this more of a mushroom-forward flavor.

Using a mix of wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, or porcini will bring a complex and earthy flavor to your gravy. If you really love mushrooms, you can incorporate them.

How to Make Mushroom Gravy

This is one of those impressive yet simple to make recipes which I love! It will be ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish and most of that time is spent simmering.

Here are the steps to making this luscious mushroom onion gravy:

Step 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet and sauté the onions over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add the mushrooms and cook until soft, then add the garlic, soy sauce, and herbs.

Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook while stirring for 1 minute.

Step 4: Pour in the broth and simmer the gravy for 15 – 20 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Season with salt, pepper, and additional herbs if desired before serving.

Gravy Recipe Variations and Substitutions

The key to creating the perfect mushroom gravy is to experiment and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Whether you’re serving it with Thanksgiving dinner or a weeknight roast, there’s a mushroom gravy variation for every occasion!

• Vegetarian: Substitute the beef broth for vegetable broth. 
• Gluten free: Substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten free flour if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. 
• Soy free: Substitute the soy sauce for coconut aminos. 
• Vegan gravy: Turn this into a vegan mushroom gravy recipe by using vegan butter and replace the beef broth with vegan vegetable broth.
• For an extra punch of flavor: Add a splash of dry white wine (chardonnay, pinot grigio, or sauvignon blanc) or cooking sherry to the gravy. Or brighten it up with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
• Bacon variation: For a richer flavor, cook 2 or 3 slices of bacon in a pan and use the drippings instead of butter. Chop the bacon and add it to the gravy.
• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a luxurious texture.
• Spicy: Add a kick to your gravy by sprinkling in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Tips for The Best Mushroom Gravy

Herbs: More than likely if you’re making this gravy, it’s for a special occasion and you’ll already have fresh herbs on hand for other dishes you’re making. Fresh herbs are the way to go.

However, if you only have dried herbs on hand, you can use them. Reduce the quantity by half. So 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary vs. 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary.

Broth: I suggest reduced sodium beef broth because as the gravy simmers and liquid evaporates, the saltiness from the broth concentrates, which is why I like to start off with a reduced sodium broth. You can always add more salt at the end if you think it needs it.

Whisking: Gradually add the broth to the mushroom mixture while whisking continuously to achieve a smooth consistency. And as the gravy simmers, be sure to whisk or give it a stir frequently.

Use warm or room-temperature broth: Cold broth can cause the flour and butter to seize and form lumps.

Skim the Fat: If you’re making this gravy from pan drippings from fattier cuts of roasted meat (such as roast beef, prime rib, pork roast) instead of using the 4 tablespoons butter, skim off any excess fat before adding it to the roux to avoid greasy gravy.

Note that if you’re making this gravy with pan drippings from turkey, skimming is not necessary since it’s such a lean protein. See the FAQs for info about how to make mushroom gravy with pan drippings.

What Goes With Mushroom Gravy?

Gravy is one of those things that makes everything that much better! If you’re wondering with what dishes does this easy mushroom gravy pair well with, I’ve got plenty of suggestions.

Turkey:

• Oven Roasted Turkey
• Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Chicken:

• Whole Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
• Perfect 20-Minute Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
• Melt In Your Mouth Chicken

Pork and Pork Chops:

• Glazed Pork Loin Roast (shown in these photos!)
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• French Onion Pork Chops
• Grilled Pork Chops

Meatloaf:

• Air Fryer Meatloaf
• Cracker Barrel Copycat Meatloaf

Beef:

• Steak and Potatoes Skillet
• Perfectly Cooked Steak
• Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

Potatoes and Other Sides:

But it doesn’t stop there! I’ve got potatoes and sides for days that won’t complain if you drizzle over a generous portion of homemade mushroom gravy:

• The Best Classic Mashed Potatoes
• Browned Butter Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes 
• Bacon Cheddar Loaded Mashed Potatoes
• Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
• Creamed Corn Casserole
• Cauliflower Gratin
• Brussels Sprouts
• Angel Biscuits

Storage Instructions

This gravy can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for later use in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let frozen gravy thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Gravy

Gently reheat the gravy in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat while stirring frequently.

Or you can put it in a 2 to 4-cup Pyrex glass measuring cup, cover with plastic wrap, and reheat in the microwave in 20-second bursts until it’s hot enough.

When reheating leftover gravy, I like to set it out on the counter for 30 minutes or so if I can plan ahead, before actually zapping it in the microwave. Taking that cold edge off makes reheating more even.

Save Saved Review Print

5 from 4 votes

Mushroom Gravy

By Averie Sunshine

A rich, hearty, and very flavorful gravy recipe to perfectly complement your favorite dishes and holiday recipes! Made with mushrooms, onions, and butter for maximum comfort food flavor! An EASY gravy recipe that will impress everyone at your next Thanksgiving, Christmas, or special family gathering!

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 3 cups

Save this recipe to your email

Enter your email and we’ll send it to you!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email *

Send It!

Ingredients  

0.5x2x

• ▢ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• ▢ 16 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced (white button, cremini/brown button, baby portobello)*
• ▢ 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ▢ 1 tablespoon reduced sodium, lite soy sauce
• ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme may be substituted
• ▢ 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary may be substituted
• ▢ ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 3 cups reduced sodium beef broth
• ▢ ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste – plus more if desired
• ▢ ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste – plus more if desired

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

• To a large, high-sided saute pan or skillet, add the butter, and heat over medium-high heat to melt.
• Add the onions, and saute for about 3 minutes, or until beginning to soften and they're fragrant.
• Add the sliced mushrooms, and saute for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until softened, stir very frequently.
• Add the garlic, soy sauce, herbs, and cook for 1 minute; stir constantly so you don't burn the garlic.
• Evenly sprinkle the flour over the top, stir to toss and coat with the mushrooms, and cook for 1 minute. Tips – In essence, you are making a roux in this step, which means you are using butter + flour to create a thickening agent, and as the gravy simmers in the next step, the roux will help it to thicken, so it's very important not to shortcut this step. Also, don't shortcut it because you don't want to add the broth until the flour cooks a bit, otherwise you'll have the terrible taste of raw flour in your finished gravy.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low or low, add the broth slowly, and whisk constantly while you're adding it. Tip – This prevents the finished gravy from being lumpy so make sure to whisk.
• Allow the gravy to simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until desired consistency has been achieved. Tips – Make sure to stir or whisk very frequently as the gravy simmers to make sure it's cooking evenly, and nothing is sticking at the bottom of the skillet. It's helpful to sometimes run a rubber-tipped spatula around the base of the pan, like you're scraping a bowl, to ensure you've gotten everything.
• Taste the gravy and add the salt, pepper, stir to combine, and add additional S & P to taste, if desired. Or perhaps extra herbs or spices, as desired, before serving over or alongside your favorite entrees or sides – see blog post for tons of recipe ideas!
• Extra gravy will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat leftover gravy (from room temp if possible) gently over a small saucepan or in the microwave.

Notes

*Mushrooms – While I tend to use two containers (8 ounces each) of sliced "basic" white button mushrooms, you can mix-and-match the types of mushrooms used.

White or white button, cremini or brown button, or baby portobello are great as a base and for a rich deep flavor.

Shiitake mushrooms(and baby portobello to an extent) mushrooms will amp up the unmai flavor and give this more of a mushroom-forward flavor.

Using a mix of wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, or porcini will bring a complex and earthy flavor to your gravy. If you really love mushrooms, you can incorporate them.

I also buy two containers that are 8-ounces each of already sliced mushrooms. It's no more expensive, there is less work slicing, the mushrooms themselves tend to be much cleaner compared to whole mushrooms.

**To make the recipe vegetarian, use reduced sodium vegetable broth rather than beef broth. To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour intended for cooking and baking. To make the recipe soy-free, use coconut aminos rather than lite soy sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1, Calories: 94kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 395mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

©averiecooks.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

↓ Click the Stars to Rate This Recipe ↓

Tried this recipe? Leave a review!

Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!

More Easy Holiday Sides:

The Best Classic Mashed Potatoes — Buttery, creamy, PERFECT mashed potatoes that rival your favorite restaurant’s version but EASY and made with just 5 ingredients!! The quintessential holiday side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a great family-friendly weeknight comfort food side dish!!

Browned Butter Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes — Creamy and decadent from the herbed browned butter, these mashed potatoes are a family favorite side dish! Made in the slow cooker to free up stove and oven space.

Creamed Corn Casserole — The EASIEST holiday side dish you’ll ever make! This CREAMY, cheesy corn casserole is a simple stir-and-bake affair that can be made in advance! The texture is a cross between a souffle and cornbread. Slightly gooey, slightly firm, and pairs perfectly with your favorite Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dishes!   

Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin — Cauliflower florets are coated in a creamy cheese sauce and sprinkled with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping before being baked to golden, bubbly perfection! This is an EASY yet ELEGANT side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and holiday meals alike including Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve!

Stovetop Stuffing – With this easy homemade stuffing recipe, you’ll never need a box of the store bought stuff again! FAST, EASY, and guaranteed to become a Thanksgiving and Christmas family favorite!

Cornbread Stuffing — Fast and easy homemade cornbread is transformed into a family favorite cornbread stuffing side dish with the addition of celery, onions, garlic, broth, and a bouquet of fresh herbs! Soft, tender, EASY, and sure to become a hit at your Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday celebrations! 

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping — This is the BEST sweet potato casserole ever!! The sweet potatoes are tender and creamy, while the streusel topping adds a delightful buttery crunch thanks to the pecans! 

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows — Tender and creamy sweet potatoes, the subtle crunch of a buttery pecan crumble, and gooey marshmallows make this comfort food side dish an automatic family FAVORITE! It’ll be on repeat for your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday celebrations every year!

The Best Green Bean Casserole — A fresher take on classic green bean casserole! No processed soups nor canned ingredients and instead made with fresh green beans, mushrooms, red onions, and a cheesy crispy breadcrumb topping that will have the whole family going back for seconds! Put this on your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday entertaining menus!

Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar — These green beans are made extra delish with brown sugar, onions, garlic, and plenty of bacon! Eating your veggies has never been this EASY or tasty, and even the pickiest eaters will gobble them up! Perfect for busy weeknights or as a great holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas!